Key Takeaways
1. Xbox games may soon be playable on Windows PCs through emulation, according to rumors linked to an upcoming Xbox showcase.
2. Microsoft is reportedly developing an Xbox emulator that could allow a wider range of Xbox games, including those not currently available on PC, to be played on Windows.
3. This emulator initiative is seen as crucial for game preservation, enabling players to enjoy older titles without complex modifications.
4. The concept of “Xbox Everywhere” is highlighted, suggesting a broader strategy for Xbox gaming across different platforms.
5. The Xbox app on Windows 11 has improved, potentially benefiting upcoming handheld devices, with discussions of a “Big Picture Mode” feature similar to Steam’s.
In a new YouTube video shared by eXtas1s, there’s a suggestion that Xbox games may soon be available to play on Windows PCs through emulation. While much of this is still uncertain and largely speculative, it aligns with earlier comments from Xbox staff like Sarah Bond, who indicated their interest in initiating a program for game preservation and archiving.
Rumors and Speculation
The rumors have surfaced just ahead of the Xbox showcase scheduled for June 8th and stem from Microsoft’s continuous work on backward compatibility and game archiving. Sources suggest that Microsoft is developing an Xbox emulator for Windows that would enable players to enjoy titles from earlier Xbox consoles on PCs using x64 emulation. This initiative could expand beyond the current backward compatibility program, allowing a wider array of Xbox games to be playable on PCs. It might even include games that haven’t been officially made available for PC or those that are not part of the current list of backward-compatible titles.
The Importance of Game Preservation
Creating such an emulator could be crucial for preserving the vast library of Xbox games, enabling users to keep enjoying their purchased titles on modern systems without the need for complex file adjustments or third-party modifications. Additionally, this would represent a significant move toward the concept of “Xbox Everywhere.” For those who prefer gaming on an Xbox console, the Series X is still available for purchase on Amazon.
Improvements to Xbox App
JezCorden has mentioned on BlueSky that the Xbox app on Windows 11 has recently improved in both appearance and performance, which could be advantageous for upcoming handheld devices like the Asus ROG Ally 2. Xbox CEO Phil Spencer was among the first to share this opinion, which might be seen as a form of endorsement. eXtas1s also suggested that the app could introduce a feature called “Big Picture Mode,” similar to what Steam offers. This would be beneficial for handheld devices and simplify access to the Xbox game library on other Windows platforms.
Source:
Link